At the session, Ladson-Billings was asked how Wisconsin could better serve students of color. Ladson-Billings answered to strive for experimentation, patience and a never-failing belief in the students themselves.

“Don’t treat them like your kids,” Ladson-Billings said during the session. “Treat them like your grandchildren … I really think my grandkids are special, I think they can do anything. And everyone deserves that.”

Ladson-Billings, the author of "The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African-American Children," spoke about how most of the literature and studies before her book were focused on failure and the assumption African-American students were doing something wrong.

Ladson-Billings urged educators not to fall into this pessimistic mindset, saying children could internalize the mindset.

"Say, ‘I’m responsible for kids, I’m going to do everything within my power to ensure their success. (I’m) not going to give up, quit, or believe that they cannot do things,’” Ladson-Billings said. “That kind of perseverance and persistence is something we don't often reward in teachers.”